Making The Most Of Music During Your Tennessee Adventure

Tennessee is famed for many things, including its iconic natural landscapes like the Great Smoky Mountains. But, let’s be honest if you’re planning a trip here, you’re also probably pretty excited about the music.

Tennessee’s music scene is renowned worldwide thanks to its iconic contribution of an impressive seven genres of music, including blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll. Artists to come out of this iconic music mecca include Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley, and you’re sure to want to soak up the musical goodness whether you’re passing through on a road trip or intend to stay for any length of time.

The question is, how exactly can you make the most of music during your Tennessee adventure?

# 1 – Visit the Most Musical Cities

Visiting the most musical Tennessee cities is by far the best way to get stuck in, and should undeniably see you starting your trip in Nashville. The iconic ‘Music City’ has musical threads that stretch back as far as the late 1700s. The first even musical act to tour the world came from Nashville, and artists including Otis Redding and Etta Jones all once recorded here.

But Tennessee music doesn’t stop in Nashville, and those rich musical roots can be seen across the state, especially in East Tennessee locations like Bristol, where bluegrass music was born. Or why not head to Memphis, former home of Elvis Presley, where you’ll find yourself at the heart of the birthplace for both the blues and rock ‘n’ roll?

# 2 – Choose Musical Accommodation

If you really want to immerse yourself in Tennessee’s musical culture, you could benefit from booking a stay in an accommodation that hosts some of the state’s many live music events. Luckily, you’ll be spoilt for choice here, with many local accommodations hosting musicians regularly.

If you fancy testing out the East’s bluegrass roots,Windy Hill Farm and Preserve provides the perfect backdrop, with the benefit of regular on-site concerts from local artists. Or why not get a feel for rock ‘n’ roll at the Peabody in Memphis, where local bands will make you feel like you’re reliving the Elvis days all over again?

# 3 – Step Into Tennessee’s Musical Past

With such a rich musical history, it’s hardly surprising that Tennessee has plenty of music-based museums to get stuck into during your stay. As well as showing you just how many musical contributions Tennessee has made, these locations are great for keen fans of certain artists, thanks to additions like the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School in Brownsville, or Loretta Lynn’s ranch in Hurricane Mills.

There are also plenty of local museums that consider specific musical genres, including the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, and the Museum Centre at 5ive Points, which celebrates southern gospel. Equally, if you prefer a more general musical view, head to the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum in Jackson, where you’ll see memorabilia from the first ever Hard Rock Cafe including costumes, guitars, and original signed records.

# 4 – Book the Best Shows

Whether there’s live music at your accommodation or not, you’ll also probably want to book a live show or two during your Tennessee trip. Luckily, there are plenty of iconic venues that provide the opportunity to do that, and none are better than the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Widely known as the ‘Mother Church of Country Music’, the Ryman is credited for launching the careers of musical icons including Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline.

Other venues worth visiting include the Cannery Ballroom, which is also in Nashville, or the striking Caverns in Pelham, which host ‘Caverns sessions’ that will literally send you more than 300 feet underground at the base of Monteagle Mountain.

Equally, if you prefer a more chilled vibe, there are some great bar-style music venues worth adding to your trip bucket list. The Bluebird Cafe is perhaps the most notable of these and has been a regular haunt for musical icons across history including Johnny Cash. Shows here are available via pre-sale and include In the Round sessions and open mics. The Station Inn in Nashville is another fantastic destination, and is widely considered the country’s best bluegrass bar, with nightly live music by icons like The Amanda Cook Band and The Burnett Sisters.

Wherever you choose to stay in Tennessee, you’re sure to have a front-row seat to one of the country’s most interesting musical melting pots. Simply make the most of the opportunities on offer using the pointers in this article.